Ernst Florens Friedrich Chladni (1756–1827) and the origins of modern meteorite research

摘要: In 1794, Ernst F. Chladni published a 63-page book, ber den Ursprung der von Pallas gefundenen und anderer ihr nlicher Eisenmassen einige damit in Verbindung stehende Naturerscheinungen, which he proposed that meteor-stones and iron masses enter the atmosphere from cosmic space form fireballs as they plunge to Earth. These ideas violated two strongly held contemporary beliefs: 1) fragments of rock metal do not fall sky, 2) no small bodies exist beyond Moon. From beginning, was severely criticized for basing his hypotheses on historical eyewitness reports falls, others regarded folk tales, taking gross liberties with laws physics. Ten years later, study fallen stones irons established valid field investigation. Today, some scholars credit founding meteoritics science; regard contributions scarcely worthy mention. Writings by contemporaries suggest Chladnis book alone would have led changes prevailing theories; thus, narrowly escaped fate those scientists who propose prematurely. However, between 1794 1798, four falls were witnessed widely publicized. There followed series epoch-making analyses native chemist Edward C. Howard mineralogist Jacques-Louis de Bournon. They showed all much alike texture composition but significantly different Earths known crustal rocks. Of primary importance Howards discovery nickel grains stones. This linked belonging same natural phenomenon. chemical results, February 1802, persuaded leading England, France, Germany sky. Within few months, chemists France reported similar results new inaugurated internationally, although opposition lingered until April 1803, when nearly 3,000 fell at LAigle Normandy transformed last skeptics into believers. immediately received full hypothesis decades passed before linking falling general acceptance. His their origin met strong resistance argued formed within or ejected lunar volcanoes. After 1860, both these abandoned, there century debate proponents an interstellar versus planetary origin. Not 1950s did conclusive evidence elliptical orbits establish meteorite parent members solar system. Thus, 200 questions raised finally resolved.